Sample Problem//Solution Essays

Problem-solution essays are a common essay type, especially for short essays such as subject exams or IELTS. The page gives information on what they are, how to structure this type of essay, and gives an example problem-solution essay on the topic of obesity and fitness levels.

What are problem-solution essays?

Problem-solution essays consider the problems of a particular situation, and give solutions to those problems. They are in some ways similar to cause and effect essays, especially in terms of structure (see below). Problem-solution essays are actually a sub-type of another type of essay, which has the following four components:

The 'situation' may be included in the essay prompt, in which case it will not be needed in the main body. If it is needed, it can often be included in the introduction, especially for short essays, as with the example essay below. The 'evaluation' may be included as part of the conclusion (also as in the example below), or omitted altogether, especially for short essays. For these reasons, problem-solution essays are more common than situation-problem-solution-evaluation essays (or SPSE essays).

Structure

There are two main ways to structure a problem-solution essay. These are similar to the ways to structure cause and effect essays, namely using a block or a chain structure. For the block structure, all of the problems are listed first, and all of the solutions are listed afterwards. For the chain structure, each problem is followed immediately by the solution to that problem. Both types of structure have their merits. The former is generally clearer, especially for shorter essays, while the latter ensures that any solutions you present relate directly to the problems you have given.

The two types of structure, block and chain, are shown in the diagram below. This is for a short essay, which includes the 'situation' in the introduction and 'evaluation' in the conclusion. A longer essay, for example one of around 1,000 words, with citations, would probably have these two sections as separate paragraphs in the main body.

Block

Introduction (including 'situation')

Transition sentence/paragraph

Conclusion (including 'evaluation')

Chain

Introduction (including 'situation')

Problem 1 & Solution to Problem 1

Problem 2 & Solution to Problem 2

Problem 3 & Solution to Problem 3

Conclusion (including 'evaluation')

Example essay

Below is a problem-solution essay on the topic of obesity and poor fitness. It uses the block structure. Click on the different areas (in the shaded boxes) to highlight the different structural aspects in this essay, i.e. Situation, Problem, Solution, Evaluation. This will highlight not simply the paragraphs, but also (for problems and solutions) the thesis statement and summary, as these repeat the problems and solutions contained in the main body.

Situation

Problem

Solution

Evaluation

1

2

Consumption of processed and convenience foods and our dependence on the car have led to an increase in obesity and reduction in the fitness level of the adult population. In some countries, especially industrialized ones, the number of obese people can amount to one third of the population. This is significant as obesity and poor fitness lead to a decrease in life expectancy, and it is therefore important for individuals and governments to work together to tackle this issue and improve their citizens' diet and fitness.

Obesity and poor fitness decrease life expectancy. Overweight people are more likely to have serious illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease, which can result in premature death. It is well known that regular exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, which means that those with poor fitness levels are at an increased risk of suffering from those problems.

Changes by individuals to their diet and their physical activity can increase life expectancy. There is a reliance today on the consumption of processed foods, which have a high fat and sugar content. By preparing their own foods, and consuming more fruit and vegetables, people could ensure that their diets are healthier and more balanced, which could lead to a reduction in obesity levels. In order to improve fitness levels, people could choose to walk or cycle to work or to the shops rather than taking the car. They could also choose to walk up stairs instead of taking the lift. These simple changes could lead to a significant improvement in fitness levels.

Governments could also implement initiatives to improve their citizens' eating and exercise habits. This could be done through education, for example by adding classes to the curriculum about healthy diet and lifestyles. Governments could also do more to encourage their citizens to walk or cycle instead of taking the car, for instance by building more cycle lanes or increasing vehicle taxes. While some might argue that increased taxes are a negative way to solve the problem, it is no different from the high taxes imposed on cigarettes to reduce cigarette consumption.

In short, obesity and poor fitness are a significant problem in modern life, leading to lower life expectancy. Individuals and governments can work together to tackle this problem and so improve diet and fitness. Of the solutions suggested, those made by individuals themselves are likely to have more impact, though it is clear that a concerted effort with the government is essential for success. With obesity levels in industrialized and industrializing countries continuing to rise, it is essential that we take action now to deal with this problem.

Situation

Problem

Solution

1

2

Evaluation

Below is a checklist for the main body of an essay. Use it to check your own writing, or get a peer (another student) to help you.

In adult life, you constantly need to solve various problems — career, family, money, and others. Therefore, it’s better to boost your problem solving skills now, when you are still studying. Such skills will definitely ease your life. One of the stages of settling the issue is analyzing it thoroughly. Every now and then teachers ask their students to complete a problem solution essay. If this is the case, you might need additional information besides the teacher’s instructions. On this page, you will be able to find the example of the mentioned type of essay. It was created by an experienced writer from EssayShark.com.

Our service has gathered many expert writers who are knowledgeable in different spheres. All of them have graduated from higher educational affiliations and attained a certain level of proficiency. The samples that are published on our website are at your service. You can easily use them as you wish. However, we should warn you that plagiarism is a violation of academic rules, so be careful. Also, you should know that you can ask our writers to complete a specific sample within your requirements. If you would like to contact our writers directly, you should fill the order form. They can help you to complete a problem solution essay of any length. Apply to us right after reading the sample. We are available 24/7!

How to Reduce Prejudice?

Reducing prejudice in a society should begin as individuals develop personal objectives and goals toward the issue. An individual may be successful in challenging their prejudicial behavior through various methods such as developing more ethical and moral actions. Society can become more conscious about prejudice through recognition of discriminating prejudicial viewpoints, actions to change these perceptions, and increasing exposure to a stereotyped group or individual.

The initial step which is an important part in reducing prejudice is the willingness of an individual to educate themselves about stereotypes and prejudicial behaviors existing in society. By challenging their social norms through more awareness and education, an individual may change existing viewpoints positively. By first recognizing and acknowledging that prejudicial behaviors exist, an individual can then take initiative to further educate themselves on the issue and ultimately reduce their prejudicial beliefs they may have towards others through various methods. Taking a course on ethnic diversity or equality, for example, can be a form of education. According to findings, “education reduces prejudice, regardless of what particular courses you take” (Sidanius and Pratto, 36). Gaining more knowledge and insight about a specific issue can aid in helping an individual challenge existing beliefs. Another step that can be taken to reduce an individual’s prejudicial perception is through more exposure and interaction with those they consider different from themselves or the norm. According to a cognitive analysis carried out by researches about the effects of intergroup contact, as we interact with individuals of a group, we may focus more on the individual than the group to which they are associated within the social norms. This allows individuals to examine the idea “that our global and undifferentiated group stereotypes are actually not that informative” (Rothbart and John, 41). Socializing and communicating with diverse groups of people, a person may reach the conclusion that their personal perspective of a person is different from the stereotypical associations they are accustomed to after getting to know them better. Exposure can therefore aid in diminishing stereotypical perceptions that people may have by challenging their existing viewpoints.

Making connections and engaging in social interactions is a part of human nature. As individuals, grouping others based on predisposed ideas and stereotypes may only escalate the issue of prejudice existing in society. This matter may increase the destructive influences placed on specific individuals. Challenging prejudicial ideas through recognition, knowledge, and willingness to communicate and develop relationships may aid in reducing existing prejudicial beliefs and ideas.